After AG now Chief Justice to fix up Anwar.

A FORMER prominent lawyer who had close links to Umno, Tan Sri Zaki Azmi, become Malaysia’s next head of the judiciary after Ruler’s Council given consent. A move that stoke controversy because Mr Zaki was once legal adviser to the dominant political party.

Other names for the post were also discussed. But Mr Zaki’s integrity eventually convinced the Conference of Rulers to give its consent, a move necessary under Malaysia’s Constitution. Mr Zaki, 63, is currently the Court of Appeal president, the No.2 post. His father Tun Azmi Mohamed was Malaysia’s first local head of judiciary, and held the post from 1966 to 1974.Judiciary now a Family Business too.

Mr Zaki made history last year when he was appointed a judge in the country’s apex court without going through the lower rungs. He rose to the No.2 position two months later. His fast rise through the judicial system had sparked protests from the opposition, which raised the matter in Parliament last year. At that time, then-parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang had described it as a prelude to Mr Zaki becoming ‘Umno’s chief justice’.

However, since then, lawyers and judges have conceded that Mr Zaki has taken pains to avoid hearing cases linked to the government, and has become known for good judicial temperament.

Nevertheless, his appointment stir controversy as it comes at a time when Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has promised to undertake judicial reforms to ensure a more transparent appointment process.

At present, the Prime Minister makes the appointment, on the recommendation of the incumbent Chief Justice. The Conference of Rulers has the final say, and has flexed its muscles only on very rare occasions.

The appointment will be seen as an indication, or otherwise, of the willingness of the beleaguered Barisan Nasional government to listen to public perception and opinion.

‘The appointment of the chief justice is important to ensure the integrity and credibility of the judiciary.’

What Reform, It’s only whom you know. After AG now Chief Justice to fix up Anwar.

MP Kapar